Slough Express

Lucie flips her way to new world record

Cirque du Soleil star breaks back handspring­s record

- By Anaka Nair anakan@baylismedi­a.co.uk @AnakaN_BM

A Cirque du Soleil star from Ascot has become a Guinness World Records title holder.

Former British gymnast, Lucie Colebeck set the Guinness World Record for the most number of back handspring­s on a trampoline in 30 seconds.

The 27-year-old powertrack artist set a new record after performing the acrobatic skill 36 times and smashing the minimum threshold of 25 rotations.

Lucie said: “I’ve been doing tumbling for a long time, and to receive this title is so awesome. Since I joined Cirque du Soleil in 2018, I have been dreaming of performing with Alegría – In A New Light at home in London.

“To now become a Guinness

World Records title holder inside the Royal Albert Hall is making this whole experience even more surreal and magical.”

Born in Ascot, Lucie trained at Pinewood Gymnastics Club in Wokingham and started training for the Great Britain Tumbling team at the age of

10.

She has represente­d the UK worldwide during her competitiv­e career as an 8time British Champion in Tumbling and a three-time European Champion.

She also won silver medals at the 2013 and 2015 Tumbling World Championsh­ips and appeared in a gala performanc­e at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Lucie told the Express it is ‘surreal that the sport took her this far’ and she is now ‘making a living out of the skillset she grew up perfecting as a passion’.

She added: “[I love] tumbling and to be able to do it every day and receive the love of the audience for it show after show is an indescriba­ble feeling.”

Lucie tours the world as a cast member with Cirque du Soleil’s Alegria – In A New Light and is currently starring in the show at the Royal Albert Hall until March 3.

The revival production features an internatio­nal cast of 62 acrobats, clowns, musicians, and singers, the Alegría – In A New Light and re-imagines the original classic, Alegría which first premiered in 1994.

Guinness World Records adjudicato­r Megan Bruce said: “I knew the cast of Cirque du Soleil were good, but seeing these record attempts in person and up close was

something else.

“I was amazed by the level of flexibilit­y and upper body strength shown by OyunErdene and Lucie’s attempt was lightning fast as she managed

to set the record with at least 5 seconds to spare.

“Congratula­tions to both performers for breaking such physically demanding record titles.”

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Lucie Colebeck receiving her Guinness World Record certificat­e.
Ref:132739-4 Lucie Colebeck receiving her Guinness World Record certificat­e.

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